advertisement

---

This week, Florida lawmakers ended a special session during which they approved legislation that calls for providing funds for southern Florida’s Tri-Rail and supporting central Florida’s proposed SunRail project. The bill has implications for Florida’s high-speed rail development, as well, says Nazih Haddad, manager of passenger-rail development for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The bill calls for creating the Florida Rail Enterprise, a division within FDOT that will operate similarly to the Florida Turnpike Enterprise, which was created several years ago to operate many of the state’s turnpikes and expressways.

“This has been a very successful model, especially when it comes to arranging public-private partnerships,” says Haddad.

The rail enterprise — which would be overseen by an executive director that reports directly to Florida’s transportation secretary — would be responsible for developing high-speed and other passenger-rail services.

“It really elevates the business of passenger rail to a much higher level,” says Haddad.  

In addition, the new legislation would create the Florida Rail Commission, an advisory organization that would report to the governor and legislature.

Perhaps most important, the bill shows federal transportation officials that Florida is serious about passenger-rail development, which will be key for the state to secure stimulus funds for its high-speed rail system.

Florida has applied for $2.6 billion in Track 2 funds to construct a high-speed line between Tampa and Orlando, and $30 million in Track 1b funds to conduct environmental and engineering work for the Orlando-to-Miami segment of the system.

In October, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told transit supporters in Orlando that if Florida didn’t get behind the SunRail project, the state risked losing out on high-speed funds.

“He basically said the state better get its act together,” says Haddad. “So this could be a good sign for us: That’s what he asked for, and that’s what he got.”

And the state is making sure LaHood knows it. On Dec. 10, Gov. Charlie Crist sent a letter to the secretary regarding the new transportation bill, which Crist expects to sign into law by Dec. 24.

“The transportation bill passed this week resoundingly demonstrates Florida’s support for passenger-rail transportation,” according to the letter. “Following Florida’s pledge to further diversify our transportation system, I believe that high-speed rail will be a critical component to strengthening our portfolio of alternative transportation. I formally request your approval of Florida’s application to develop high-speed rail.”

— Angela Cotey